Scholars representing the field of systems science were asked to identify what they considered to be the most exciting and imaginative work currently being done in their field, as well as how that work might change our understanding. The scholars included Alexander Christakis, Debora Hammond, Michael Jackson, Alexander Laszlo, Ian Mitroff, Dave…

Appointment of a national Commission on Instructional Technology under the Public Broadcasting Act points up the need for broad participation in defining agreeable boundaries of the field of instructional technology. The assignment is complicated by a posture of pessimism in a new power structure of instructional technology, or "learning systems,"…

While most organizations react to economic downturns by downsizing and cutting training and educational "costs," a few others thrive under adversity by engaging in innovative practices supported by extensive and creative uses of educational technology. This article examines how diverse organizations benefit from the cycles of "creative…

The authors deplore the failure of technology to make drastic changes in education and discuss the need for a new product development approach. (AA)

Explains postmodernism and discusses the role of postmodernism as it relates to educational technology and various paradigms for educational technology. Highlights include the systems approach to instructional design and the relationship between the psychological paradigm of constructivism and the aesthetic paradigm of poststructuralism. (15…

The director of Project ABLE, a research program which intended to base development" in occupational education upon a unique combination of the most effective features of modern educational technology," gives a brief history and description of the project and states where to obtain furter information. (Author/AA)

The author argues for a systems approach in applying media and technology to instruction. He outlines three phases, in order of priority: (1) defining the objectives of the process and staffing strategies, (2) developing software and (3) procuring hardware." (Editor)

Argues for more emphasis on the fabric which holds curriculum detail together and describes those conceptual tools which may help in redirecting thinking toward holistic approaches to instruction and teaching. Linkages between educational technology and learning theory help guide this quest. (Author/RAO)

Reflects on the shift in educational technology from an innovative style attempting useful change, to a narrow, conservative style emphasizing practicality. Systematic model types are analyzed in terms of five organizational elements. (RAO)

Discusses modern educational technology, including postmodernism; deconstruction; the Shannon-Weaver Model for telecommunication apparatus and the epistemology of educational technology; the systems approach; and possible demands of postmodern educational technology, including technoscience, instructional design issues, and cultural aspects.…

The development of anasynthesis--the process of analysis, synthesis, modeling, and simulation--as applied to decision making and problem solving in education and training is explored, and its future with regard to education is discussed. (RAO)

A look at the essential steps important for an instructional system to operate effectively. (HB)